Students in the Computer Science Co-op program complete the academic requirements of any of the Major or Honours undergraduate degree programs offered by the Department of Computer Science. In addition, they normally complete four work terms of four months duration during which a student is employed by a business, industry or government agency.

Students may be admitted to the Computer Science Co-op program after completion of one term of university, depending upon their first term grades. An academic/work term schedule is mapped out for students by the Computer Science advising office upon entry to the program.

Students admitted to the program must enrol in a seminar series which include workshops on writing a resume, preparing for job interviews, work term activities and writing work term reports.

The minimum academic requirements for admission to the Math and Statistics Co-op Program is the completion of MATH 100, CSC 110 and an overall GPA of at least 4.5 in courses taken from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Computer Science in the first year.

What Jobs Can Computer Science Students Do?
Students work for employers in business, industry, research, education, government and non-profit organizations in Victoria, across Canada and abroad.

Students have assisted in the development of the Blackberry for Research in Motion in Ottawa. Many lower mainland companies such as Electronic Arts use our students in their game software development. Others work as systems and network administrators for research groups at the National Research Council and the University and provide technical expertise in small businesses. Finally, select students develop software and software management tools at companies like Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.

Combined Programs
Several options are available for Computer Science students to combine their studies with other disciplines. The Business option, Software Engineering option and Health Information Science combined Major program have a mandatory co-op component. Co-op is optional in other combined programs. Please see the current University of Victoria calendar for a complete list of programs available.

How to Apply?
Please come by the Engineering & Computer Science/Math Co-op Office in Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Building, Room 204 and pick up an application or talk to one of our Coordinators about the program. Students may apply any time during the first month of the new academic term in September, January and May.

Advantages of co-operative education:

• Work terms provide learning experiences which complement theoretical coursework.
• Students apply and test their classroom knowledge in productive working environments, and develop professional skills required across a range of work settings.
• Work term income provides financial assistance towards tuition and living expenses.
• Co-op students are exposed to a variety of job settings and occupations during their work terms, which can help in refining career plans.
• The varied work term locations allow students to experience new living and working environments, and to make valuable professional contacts.
• Communication skills, resume writing, job search and interview skills are developed through the Co-op preparation process.